Sony Unveils its PlayStation 5 Controller

While Microsoft has unveiled much of its next-generation hardware, Sony has been much slower at announcing details around the PlayStation 5. But today, the company is starting to talk more about the controller that will come with the PlayStation 5.

So what’s new? Well, the look is clearly different and features a more rounded and less angular design than the previous generation. You can read the full announcement post here but below are the highlights of the update:

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  • Haptic feedback
  • Adaptive triggers into the L2 and R2 buttons – increase the tension of triggers
  • Changed the angle of the hand triggers
  • Rechargeable battery
  • “Create” button feature – replaces Share Button
  • Adds a built-in microphone array – no headset  needed for chat now

Sony will continue the use of rechargeable controllers and is not going to have the option to use replaceable batteries. Microsoft got mixed reviews on this for the Elite series 2 having a sealed battery and the basic controller of the series X will have replaceable batteries.

The inclusion of a mic array will be helpful for those who want to chat but don’t have a headset. Considering that every controller will have a microphone in it, I do wonder if Sony is planning for voice features of its next console – only time will tell.

The company is sticking with its symmetrical analog stick input and the overall button layout isn’t changing too much. One update is that the Share button is being replaced by a Create button but the company isn’t ready to explain all the details yet behind that feature.

The Dual Sense design update is quite a significant change from the previous generation and it does appear to be significantly more ergonomic than previous PlayStation controllers. And notably, this controller looks similar to that of the Xbox design which I have long preferred which means it should be a solid update for PlayStation fans.

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Conversation 12 comments

  • StevenLayton

    07 April, 2020 - 4:50 pm

    <p>First thing that jumped into my head when I saw the picture was “First Order Stormtrooper”. Think I have a Star Wars problem.</p>

  • winlonghorn

    07 April, 2020 - 5:30 pm

    <p>I wonder if they might use the microphone as a means to do basic room correction for their 3d audio? They said that they needed research and measurements for it.</p>

    • sephdk

      08 April, 2020 - 1:14 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#537343">In reply to winlonghorn:</a></em></blockquote><p>That would make sense. </p>

    • remc86007

      08 April, 2020 - 1:32 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#537343">In reply to winlonghorn:</a></em></blockquote><p>Knowing how much additional work on my part went in to fixing the automatic room correction that my over $1500 receiver did with it's microphone and good speakers, I can only imagine people using room correction on crappy speakers in unideal rooms will do more harm than good. </p>

  • sephdk

    08 April, 2020 - 1:16 am

    <p>The current PlayStation already has voice commands. Not very many, though. </p>

  • eccelex

    08 April, 2020 - 4:37 am

    <p>It's like they finally admit the xbox controler is vastly superior.</p>

  • red77star

    08 April, 2020 - 8:46 am

    <p>Why my original message was deleted? If you guys continue doing so, might as well close my account.</p>

  • Thretosix

    08 April, 2020 - 9:04 am

    <p>Looks like they went all in on feng shui. Doesn't look comfortable or tactical at all. It seems as if the only reason for this controller is so when Sony has commercials with people smiling playing the new console the controllers will look cool and people will buy the console. Marketing is really Sony's only strong point in my opinion. I don't get the hype over their first party titles. </p>

    • Vladimir Carli

      Premium Member
      08 April, 2020 - 1:34 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#537461">In reply to Thretosix:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>because you never played them, maybe. Some of the first party games are great and if you don't pick PS4 you have no way of playing them. The point of exclusives is not to make the fanboys crowds cheer but to orient the choice of those who buy a console for the first time</p>

      • Thretosix

        10 April, 2020 - 1:05 pm

        <p><a href="#537520"><em>In reply to Vladimir:</em></a><em> I have bought two PS4's, one for me and one for my daughter, I've just never cared much their first party games. I've either tried them and not like them or just wasn't interested. My problem is most of the games I like to play my friends play are on Xbox. Mostly AAA third party games. I did buy the PS4 for exclusives, specifically for FFVII remake. I'm just going to wait for them to release the whole game first now, possibly wait for exclusivity to end or not even buy.</em></p>

  • waethorn

    08 April, 2020 - 12:19 pm

    <p>"I do wonder if Sony is planning for voice features of its next console"</p><p><br></p><p>They already have it in the PS4.</p>

  • chaoticwhizz

    09 April, 2020 - 9:14 am

    <p>This generation, I chose Xbox1 and I have been very "meh" about the decision so far. I especially hate the Xboxone's confusing, messy interface. Next gen, I am choosing Playstation 5 to see how Sony as improved. I haven't owned a playstation since the PS2. That it's backwards compatible to PS4 is a selling point to me and it means I can catch up on those games while the PS5 titles roll out.</p>

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